Pygmy shrew  (Sorex minutus)

Agri-environment schemes: these schemes allow the government to compensate farmers for using methods that benefit the environment. The two main initiatives in the UK are the Countryside Stewardship Scheme and Environmentally Sensitive Areas. Since October 2000 these have formed part of the England Rural Development Programme (EDRP), administered by DEFRA, the Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs. For more on these initiatives see: http://www.defra.gov.uk/erdp/erdphome.htm
Echolocation: detecting objects by reflected sound. Used for orientation and detecting and locating prey by bats and cetacea (whales and dolphins).
Genus: a category used in taxonomy, which is below 'family' and above 'species'. A genus tends to contain species that have characteristics in common. The genus forms the first part of a 'binomial' Latin species name; the second part is the specific name.
Mustelids: a family of carnivores that are characteristic of the northern temperate latitudes. Relatively primitive with short, stocky legs. They have long sharp canine teeth.
Ultrasound: sounds that are above the range of human hearing.

1. National Biodiversity Network Species Dictionary (May 2002)
   http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nbn
   
2. The Mammal Society: pygmy shrew fact sheet (August 2002):
   http://www.abdn.ac.uk/mammal/pygmy_shrew.shtml
   
3. Morris, P. (1993) A red data book for British mammals. Mammal Society, Bristol.
   
4. Churchfield, S. (1988) Shrews of the British Isles. Shire Natural History. Shire Publications, Aylesbury.
   
5. Macdonald, D. W. & Tattersall, F. T. (2001) Britain's mammals- the challenge for conservation. The Wildlife Conservation research Unit, Oxford University.
   www.wildcru.org
   
6. Macdonald, D. W. (2001) The New Encyclopedia of Mammals. Oxford University Press, Oxford.